Your monthly dose of research news and inspiration
FINDINGS
UC Leather Research Laboratory: Delivering unbiased research and testing for almost a century

From military gear to designer shoes and handbags, UC’s Leather Lab is the place the leather industry has turned to with its hide-related questions since 1924.

This month in Findings, get a tour of the testing ground led by Director Steven Lange.

He'll fill us in on what his team is up to in the wet lab, which is unlike any other research facility in the United States and was called "the most important step made" in the direction of scientific research for the benefit of an entire industry by a former president.

From cow to emu, shark to snake, salmon to sheep—researchers at the lab have worked with leather of all kinds through the years; testing and conditioning it in all sorts of ways and for all sorts of reasons.

Today, the lab continues to find novel ways to use leather, including a current project, sponsored by a Florida company, developing a tanning formulation and process for skin of the invasive lionfish.
Coming Soon: Major proposal development award opportunity

Last month, UC officially launched Research2030, a 10-year strategic plan for research. Part of that plan involves enhancing the competitiveness of our research enterprise by creating new major funding opportunities. 

As a result, the Office of Research is pleased to announce the Major Proposal Development Support Program, which provides internal and external expert support for UC faculty who are targeting major, multi-year, competitive and prestigious funding opportunities. 
 
Every six months, the OoR will release this request for applications, which supports services such as project management, expert coaching and support with writing and editing a proposal. 

Watch the OoR's Funding Opportunities for the next RFA being released June 1.
Workshops created to help scientists communicate their science with the public

Public engagement with science involves more than simply scientists explaining scientific facts to the public. 

Approaches to public engagement must address complex issues such as trust in science, political polarization and understanding science’s methods and social structure. 

This interdisciplinary workshop created by the UC Center for Public Engagement with Science brings together academics and practitioners to develop theoretical and practical resources for public outreach and engagement about science.

The all-day virtual workshops center on K-12 science education on April 30; science work with communities on May 7 and a day intended for philosophers of science on May 14.

Created by UC's Melissa Jacquart and Angela Potochnik with support of a National Science Foundation grant, these workshops are open to all interested parties. Registration is free, but required, and closes April 23.

Follow this link to watch an informative video introducing the workshops and find registration information.
Introducing our first DF Student Research fellows

The Office of Research is proud to announce the inaugural class of Digital Futures Student Research Fellows. Nominated by Digital Futures Lab leaders, they exemplify student researchers dedicated to working on the challenges facing our society. Fellows receive an annual stipend that allows them the time and resources to engage in novel, use-inspired solutions in one of the Digital Futures labs.
1.    Akabalon Khalfani, Cyber Security Lab
2.    Elmo Feiten, Strange Tools Lab 
3.    Gabrielle Woehler, Research2030 Student Research Fellow
4.    Riley Mayr, Human Performance Lab 
5.    Spencer Roberts, Learning by Design Lab
6.    Salar Balou, Drone Diagnostics Lab 
7.    Rachel Kail, Human Motivation Lab 
8.    Jackson Elpers, A.I. Bio Lab 
9.    Selim Aziz, Future Mobility Center 
10.  Izunna Okpala, Smart Synergies Lab
11. Pradyumna Elavarthi, A.I for All Lab 
12.  Shannon Healey, Learning by Design Lab 
13. Andrew Barth, Systems & Robotics Lab
14. Alyssa Yoshitake, Democracy & Culture Institute 
15. Jon Ander Martin, Situational Awareness Lab
WELCOME TO THE TEAM!
Time Sensitive
Upcoming Research Development training sessions

Join the OoR on Zoom and sharpen your research skills with one of these upcoming training events: 

10-11:30 a.m., April 19

2-3:30 p.m., April 22

10:30 a.m. to noon, April 26
Midwest Biodesign Hub launch

Biodesign is finding its way into educational institutions all over the world. It bridges art, design and biotech to reimagine a more sustainable and thoughtful future.

Biodesign Challenge, the University of Cincinnati and the University of Toledo are hosting an online symposium April 21 to bring together the biodesign community across the Midwest.

The event will kickoff creation of a regional Hub for biodesign practitioners, research institutions, and students to share resources, collaborate on projects, and develop new teaching practices.
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Get an introduction to Jetstream

Jetstream is a user-friendly cloud computing environment that is designed to provide configurable cyber-infrastucture to researchers.

Learn more about Jetstream's features and how to use it in this two-hour virtual event May 14, led by Sanjana Sudarshan, senior technical advisor for Jetstream at Indiana University.